Mary Ellen Gillin Shaw dies at age 90. Class of 1951

Mary Shaw
July 13, 1933 — January 9, 2024
SWANTON - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Shaw, a beloved mother, esteemed nurse, and cherished member of the community. Mary Ellen departed from this world on January 9th, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90 years old.

Born on July 13th, 1933, in Saint Albans, Vermont, with a determination to make a difference in the world, she pursued her education at 'The original BFA' in Fairfax and went on to enlist in the United States Navy as a nurse on March 23rd, 1956. She proudly served her country with unwavering loyalty and dedication, achieving the rank of Lieutenant before her honorable discharge on February 15th, 1963.

Following her military service, Mary's thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at Wichita State University, where she obtained her Master's Degree in Nursing. Armed with her expertise and passion, Mary embarked on a remarkable career in the healthcare industry, becoming a registered nurse who was greatly admired by her colleagues and patients alike. Her unwavering dedication and compassion brought comfort and healing to countless lives during her tenure of over three decades with VA hospitals in Kansas, California, and Delaware.

Throughout it all, her infectious smile, kind-hearted nature, and zest for life endeared her to everyone she crossed paths with. Mary had a genuine love for engaging in lively conversations, and sharing laughter with those she held dear.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving sons, Henry A. Shaw of Maryland, Robert G. Shaw of Delaware, Richard J. Shaw of Swanton, and John T. Shaw and his wife Nancy of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Julianna Shaw; brothers-in-law, Warren Blacklock of Chicago, and Chuck Hayden; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, John Shaw; daughter-in-law, Lisa Shaw; brothers, Robert Gillin and his wife Virginia, and Francis "Rusty" Gillin and his wife Fran; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Blacklock, and Nancy Hayden; and brothers-in-law, Alden Shaw, and Robert Shaw.

Friends & family are invited to Mary's life celebration to include visitation on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4-7:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Lake Street, St. Albans, VT. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery in Fairfax.

For those who wish, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or to Missisquoi Valley Rescue, P.O. Box 222. Swanton, VT 05488.